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Assistant Tug Mate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harbor Docking & Towing LLC

Mate (Pilot)

Lake Charles, LA · On-site

The role of tug Mate (Pilot) is to assist the tug Master in the timely, efficient, and orderly operation and management of the companys tug. This position is for nationwide offshore towing operations ...

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Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Cameron, LA · On-site

$53 - $57/hr

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew ... Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug. * Capable of operating a Tractor tug.

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Luling, LA · On-site

$42 - $46/hr

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew ... Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug. * Excellent communication skills. PHYSICAL ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Miami, FL · On-site

$42 - $46/hr

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew ... Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug. * Excellent communication skills. PHYSICAL ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Port Arthur, TX · On-site

$41.66 - $57.55/hr

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew ... Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug. * Excellent communication skills. PHYSICAL ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$38 - $41/hr

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew ... Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug. * Excellent communication skills. PHYSICAL ...

Moran Towing Corporation

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$65 - $69/hr

The Mate shall report directly to the Captain and is second in command. As a supervisor, all crew ... Maritime experience working aboard a harbor assist tug. * Excellent communication skills. PHYSICAL ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

McAllister's fleet of tugs is ideal for all ship docking, general harbor, and barge assist work ... Tractor tug/Z drive experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Philadelphia, PA

McAllister's fleet of tugs is ideal for all ship docking, general harbor, and barge assist work ... Tractor tug/Z drive experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment ...

McAllister Towing

Mate

Staten Island, NY · On-site

$708/day

In addition to ship docking services and general harbor assist work, New York based tugs are ... Tractor tug experience * Must pass pre-employment drug test * Must pass pre-employment physical ...

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Assistant Tug Mate information

What are Assistant Tug Mates?

Assistant Tug Mates are maritime professionals who support the Tug Master in operating and navigating tugboats. Their responsibilities include assisting with vessel maneuvering, maintaining safety protocols, and handling lines during docking and undocking operations. They also help with communication between the tugboat and other vessels or harbor authorities. Assistant Tug Mates are essential for ensuring that towing operations are conducted efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Assistant Tug Mate vs Deckhand?

AspectAssistant Tug MateDeckhand
CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Marine CertificationsSTCW Basic Safety, Marine Certifications
Work EnvironmentOn tugboats, maritime settingsOn ships, maritime settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting tug operations, safety tasksGeneral ship maintenance, deck duties
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping companiesMaritime, shipping companies

Both Assistant Tug Mates and Deckhands work in maritime environments and require similar safety certifications. However, Assistant Tug Mates typically focus on assisting tug operations and safety tasks, while Deckhands handle broader deck maintenance and general ship duties. The roles often overlap but differ in specific responsibilities within maritime crews.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Tug Mate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Tug Mate, you need a solid understanding of maritime navigation, vessel operations, and safety procedures, often backed by relevant maritime certifications such as STCW and a valid Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). Familiarity with tugboat-specific equipment, electronic navigation systems, and communication tools is typically required. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help ensure smooth operations and safety on board. These competencies are crucial for safely assisting with vessel maneuvers, maintaining operational efficiency, and preventing accidents in demanding marine environments.

What are some common challenges faced by an Assistant Tug Mate during vessel operations?

Assistant Tug Mates often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing weather conditions, tight maneuvering spaces in busy ports, and coordinating with diverse crews and pilots. They must stay vigilant to ensure safety during towing, berthing, and unberthing operations, especially during night shifts or adverse weather. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the role requires close collaboration with the Tug Master, deckhands, and shore personnel to execute tasks smoothly and respond promptly to any issues.
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Assistant Tug Mate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Tug Mate job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 73% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Mate (Pilot)

Harbor Docking & Towing LLC

Lake Charles, LA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Free food & snacks
  • Health insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Profit sharing
  • Training & development
  • Tuition assistance
  • Vision insurance

Role Objectives: The role of tug Mate (Pilot) is to assist the tug Master in the timely, efficient, and orderly operation and management of the company’s tug.  This position is for nationwide offshore towing operations working a 21/21 schedule. All Mate (Pilots) must hold the appropriate and unexpired Merchant Mariner Credential, Near Coastal or Oceans route, Medical Credential, Radar Observer license, Radio Operator License, STCW Basic Training, and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card.  The Mate (Pilot) must be familiar with and dedicated to the safety, environmental health, security, and maintenance standards of the crew, vessel and company.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Stand wheelman watches (offshore) 12 hours per day.
  • Piloting the vessel in a safe, disciplined, prudent, and orderly manner,
  • Delivering the vessel and crew to the proper destination safely,
  • Maintaining unity, good order, and discipline among the crew, 
  • Under observation by the master, directing the overall operation of the vessel and crew,
  • Familiarizing him/her self with the master’s responsibilities, authority and duties such that he/she is ready, at any moment of incapacitation of the master, of acting as master of the vessel for as long as may be necessary,
  • Training other crewmembers on company policies and procedures,
  • Ensuring that company policies and procedures are followed,
  • Actively participating in drills, training, company meetings and on board safety evolutions, and enhancing the safety and security posture of the vessel,
  • Assisting in vessel orientation for new crewmembers,
  • Reporting deficiencies in the vessel or crew to the master,
  • Maintaining a professional attitude during operations and whenever dealing with customers, partners or company personnel,
  • Other appropriate tasks and duties as may be assigned from time to time by company officials or the master.

Skill Requirements:
  • Effectively and safely maneuver ASD tractor tug.
  • Effectively communicate both orally and in writing,
  • Effectiveness in operating equipment associated with navigation and communications, such as VHF radios, radar units, AIS receivers, and personal computers,
  • Appropriate vessel handling, navigation, watchstanding and seamanship experience,
  • Strong problem solving ability,
  • Good spatial orientation and assertiveness,
  • Effective social adaptability, interpersonal skills and resilience.

Knowledge Requirements:
  •  Vessel operations and wheelhouse management as would be gained by at least six years of direct, hands-on experience aboard towing vessels in domestic service.
  • Minimum credential of National Mate (Pilot) of Towing on Near Costal.  Prefer National Mate (Pilot) of Towing on Oceans route.  
  • Minimum STCW Basic Training

Education:
  • High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
  • Additional Qualifications:
  • TWIC card and driver’s license required,
  • Must reside in vicinity of Lake Charles, LA or be willing and able to relocate to that area at own expense.
  • Preferred Offshore towing experience

Physical Requirements:
  • Worker will exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently and up to 20 pounds of force constantly.
  • Work onboard vessels in the offshore environment. 
  • Requires hearing, talking, grasping quickly, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, crawling and swimming.
  • Worker is required to have the ability to see details at a distance and depth perception to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away, or to judge the distance between him/her and an object.  Must have normal color vision.
  • The worker is subject to environmental conditions with no protection from weather. 
  • The worker is subject to noise, vibration, hazards, and is frequently in close quarters and small enclosed area and is required to function in small vessels. 

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